Guyana assures Jamaica, other rice markets

 Guyana says despite the heavy rains, it will be able to satisfy the needs of all its rice markets.

A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture in Georgetown, reporting on a meeting between a Guyanese delegation and Jamaican officials over the weekend, noted that despite heavy rains threatening rice in vulnerable areas, the target for the first crop will not be significantly affected and all markets will be satisfied.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud led a delegation to Kingston for talks with Investment, Industry and Commerce Minister Karl Samuda and other stakeholders on improving access to the Jamaican market for local rice products.

Persaud is reported to have given the assurance of Guyana's continued support to the CARICOM rice market and more so, the largest buyer, Jamaica.

Communication needed

"The meeting agreed that there should be communication between GRDB (Guyana Rice Development Board) and the Jamaican Ministry of Investment, Industry and Commerce, so that the "irritancy" of the rice trade can be addressed in a timely manner.

The meeting closed with both sides assuring each other of continued support in the "spirit" of the Single Market, the statement said.

The statement said that a meeting was also held with the Jamaica Bureau of Standards (JBS) and "it was agreed that a draft agreement between GRDB and the JBS would be developed, so that GRDB will do the sampling and testing in Guyana, on behalf of the JBS.

"This will ensure the fast-tracking of the inspection process on arrival of Guyana's rice in Jamaica. It was further agreed that GRDB will assist JBS in the training of its officials in the testing of rice," Guyana said.

- CMC